site.btaBulgarian PM Borissov Arrives on Official Visit to US

ESD 23:44:32 24-11-2019
LN2351ES.106
106 - POLITICS - US - BULGARIA - PM - VISIT

Bulgarian PM Borissov
Arrives on Official
Visit to US


Washington, D. C., November 24 (BTA special correspondent Hristo Vodenov) - Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov arrived Sunday on an official visit to the US, during which he will confer with US President Donald J. Trump. The press office of the Bulgarian government said that the meeting on November 25 is a key step in enhancing the strategic partnership between the two countries.

The two leaders will discuss ways to further develop bilateral cooperation, noting the strong and enduring relationship that exists between Bulgaria and the US. An emphasis will be laid on the ways to strengthen the two nations' common security interests in the context of Euro-Atlantic partnership, on energy diversification and other current topics.

Bulgaria and the US have excellent relations in security and defence, both bilaterally and as NATO members. Borissov will take the opportunity to reconfirm Bulgaria's commitment to defence spending made at the NATO Summit in Wales in 2014. In this context the country views the agreements for purchase of F-16 Block 70 not only as an important part of defence modernization but also as a way to enhance industrial cooperation. Joined military trainings in Bulgaria are also essential for improving the interoperability of the Bulgarian Armed Forces with those of the other NATO members.

The energy sector is also on Borissov's agenda. Cooperation with the US in energy has a potential to strengthen the energy security of Bulgaria and diversify its energy sources and routes, including by import of liquefied natural gas.

Bulgaria also has an interest to broaden its trade and economic relations with the US, which has invariably been among the top 20 foreign trade partners of this country with trade reaching over 975 million US dollars in 2018.

During his stay in the US, Borissov will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. In Washington, he will confer with International Republic Institute President Daniel Twining and with National Democratic Institute Vice President Shari K. Bryan. The Prime Minister will also meet with American business executives at the headquarters of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Borissov's official delegation includes Deputy Prime Minister Tomislav Donchev, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Krasimir Karakachanov, Finance Minister Vladislav Goranov, and Economy Minister Emil Karanikolov. LN/
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